Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto

Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto is a delightful dish that captures the essence of summer dining. This recipe highlights the freshness of cherry tomatoes and the creaminess of mozzarella, making it perfect for casual gatherings or elegant dinners alike. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this dish is sure to impress both family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using seasonal cherry tomatoes ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it warm or cold as a pasta salad, perfect for picnics or potlucks.
• Customizable: Feel free to add toasted nuts or extra veggies to suit your taste.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: A delicious option for those looking to enjoy meat-free meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto, you only need a few essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will simplify your cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Colander
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta efficiently; it allows enough space for the orecchiette to cook evenly.
• Skillet: Used for sautéing the tomatoes and combining all ingredients; ensures even heating and flavor melding.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta without losing any valuable cooking liquid that can be used later for sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware; provides better control when mixing ingredients.

Ingredients

For this vibrant dish, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pasta

• 1/2 lb. orecchiette pasta
• kosher salt

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 lb. (or more) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto, plus more to taste

For Topping

• 1/2 lb. ciliegene (small balls) mozzarella
• fresh basil
• shaving of Parmigiano Reggiano (optional)
• fresh cracked black pepper

How to Make Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season well with kosher salt.
2. Add orecchiette pasta and cook until al dente, about 9 minutes or 2 minutes less than package instructions suggest.
3. Drain the pasta but reserve a cup or more of the cooking liquid. Do not rinse.

Step 2: Sauté the Tomatoes

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
2. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for approximately 30 seconds until they start to soften.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Add the drained pasta and basil pesto into the skillet with tomatoes.
2. Stir everything together for about 1 minute until well coated with pesto.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or reserved pasta cooking liquid if needed.
4. Incorporate ciliegene mozzarella into the mixture gently.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove from heat and add fresh basil leaves.
2. Divide the pasta among bowls, garnishing each with shavings of Parmigiano if desired.
3. Finish with fresh cracked black pepper before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto! This dish captures summer’s flavors beautifully while being easy enough for any occasion.

How to Serve Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto

Serving Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto can be a delightful experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Toasted Nuts

• Toasted pine nuts or walnuts – Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor by sprinkling toasted nuts on top of the dish.

Fresh Garden Salad

• Mixed greens salad – Serve a refreshing mixed greens salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette as a light accompaniment.

Garlic Bread

• Classic garlic bread – Pair this pasta dish with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

Grilled Vegetables

• Seasonal grilled vegetables – Roasted or grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus can add color and nutrition to your meal.

Lemon Wedges

• Zesty lemon wedges – Serve fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus that brightens the flavors in the dish.

Chilled White Wine

• Chilled sparkling water or lemonade – Complement the meal with chilled beverages that refresh without overpowering the pasta’s taste.

How to Perfect Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto

Perfecting your Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto is easy with some helpful tips.

• Use quality ingredients – Fresh cherry tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella significantly enhance flavor.
• Taste as you go – Adjust seasoning throughout cooking for a balanced dish.
• Reserve pasta water – Keep some cooking liquid to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Cook al dente – Undercook the pasta slightly so it absorbs flavors when tossed with other ingredients.
• Customize pesto – Feel free to adjust pesto amounts based on your personal taste preferences.
• Add fresh herbs at the end – Adding basil just before serving ensures maximum freshness and aroma.

Best Side Dishes for Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto

Enhance your meal by pairing Orecchiette with these delicious side dishes.

1. Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with olive oil for a classic Italian starter.
2. Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted until tender for a healthy crunch.
3. Quinoa Salad – A vibrant quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and herbs brings added nutrition and flavor.
4. Garlic Spinach Sauté – Quick sautéed spinach in garlic-infused olive oil adds a nutritious green touch to your plate.
5. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil makes for a perfect appetizer.
6. Cucumber and Feta Salad – A refreshing mix of cucumber, feta cheese, and olives adds a Mediterranean flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using too much water – Adding too much water when boiling pasta can dilute the flavor. Always use a large pot and enough salt to season the water adequately.
• Not salting the pasta water – Skipping this step results in bland pasta. Salt enhances the flavor, so don’t hold back!
• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking pasta too long leads to mushiness. Aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking when mixed with other ingredients.
• Ignoring fresh ingredients – Using dried herbs or low-quality tomatoes detracts from the dish. Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes make all the difference.
• Not reserving pasta water – Forgetting to save some cooking liquid can lead to a dry sauce. This starchy liquid helps bind and lift the dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3 days.

Freezing Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Good for up to 2 months.

Reheating Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between until hot.
• Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While orecchiette is traditional, you can substitute with any short pasta like fusilli or penne.

How do I make vegan basil pesto?

To make vegan basil pesto, replace cheese with nutritional yeast and ensure your olive oil is high quality for optimal flavor.

What can I use instead of mozzarella?

If you prefer a non-dairy option, try using vegan mozzarella or cubed avocado for creaminess without dairy.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra protein that complements the flavors well.

Final Thoughts

Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto is not just delicious; it’s also versatile. You can customize it by adding proteins or different vegetables according to your taste preferences. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its fresh flavors!